Rules of Engagement for Mounted Troops

The 8th Texas Cavalry Company  B, hereby referred to as "The Company" will adhere to the following rules of engagement.

Billeting, Etiquette and Responsible behavior

The Company shall:

1. Maintain it's own picket line. Horses will not be placed on another’s picket line without permission.

2. Not allow horses to be led or ridden through another unit's camp unless unavoidable.

3. Be very cautious of spectators around your horse or picket line. (You could well be found responsible for any injuries)

4. Require all member participants to have a current Negative Coggins Certificate. This certificate is required as per the state of participation laws requires. This varies from state to state. In Texas a current coggins is required to be valid for one year. When crossing a state line it is reduced to six months in most states. Further in numerous states you most also have a health certificate which is current and not older than 30days.

5. Not have Stallions as they are strictly prohibited at events. Appaloosa, paints and spotted horses are prohibited from participating at many events as they were not used by troops of the period. It is suggested that a horse that is dark in color be used.

6. Require each mounted commander to carry a green flag to be displayed in a real medical emergency. Once this flag is displayed, the reenactment will be halted until the emergency has been resolved. Additionally it should be understood by all mounted participants that mounted troopers must understand that they are fully responsible for the actions of their animals. Further, they must understand that mounted reenacting is potentially a very dangerous situation and one's very life could be at risk. It is imperative that good judgement be exercised in the choice of an animal and that an animal who is unruly and hard to control at home will probably get you hurt in a battle environment.

7. A unit commander bear's the responsibility of determining whether a trooper and his animal are properly trained for the event at hand. Discretion must be exercised concerning every individual who is put into circumstances that could endanger his person.

Drill, Battle, Performance &
Public Demonstration

The Company Shall:

1. Not allow pistols to be fired at a distance of less than 25' from a person, artillery piece or limber. Carbines must not be fired at less than 50'. No "wadding" of any kind will be permitted in a pistol or carbine. Cream of wheat is preferred as the only packing permissible.

2. Never engage an opponent’s (Cavalry, Artillery or Infantry) position or line at less than 25" unless pre-arranged. Artillery must never be engaged at less than 50 yards when in front of the muzzle. No one is permitted to pass between the gun line and limber line.

3. Keep a safe distance, when mounted units are form on the field, all mounted melees will be kept at safe distances with the only exception being that of a pre-arranged saber melee. Riding through Mounted Cavalry units, whether in formation or as skirmishers, will not be tolerated for any reason and "riding though" at any gate, is extremely dangerous to horse and rider and is both an unsafe and unauthentic practice."

4. In the event a saber melee that has been pre-arranged, allow no rider to approach into the melee at a gait faster than a trot. Blades must be kept "point up" with the point never falling below eye-level. Never touch another person with your saber. Sabers should be kept during melees at a 45 degree angle and the tip kept above the hat.

5. If a rider goes down unintentionally, action in that area will stop with immediate attention given to determine the extent of injury to the rider as well as to secure his horse.

6. Never grab a rider or his horse during a melee or otherwise try to dismount him.

7. Not allow a rider to be allowed to participate on the field who is intoxicated.